Every Saturday, we’ll be posting a new illustration by David Lester. The Mecca Normal guitarist is visually documenting people, places and events from his band’s 33-year run, with text by vocalist Jean Smith.
Funny experience that pops into my mind from time to time: In 2002, Mecca Normal played the Middle East in Cambridge, Mass., opening for a band featuring Damo Suzuki. This was a total thrill!!! We played, then they played—then Damo jumped off the stage, strode right up to me and kissed me! This is how I recall it anyway. I see elsewhere it has been documented as a hug, but I believe it was a kiss … Or maybe I’m thinking of the Fall’s bass (?) player at the Knitting Factory in L.A.
So, Damo kisses me, and I can’t believe it! But then he goes around the room and kisses and/or hugs everyone there.
I imagine my brain is trying to tell me something when it pops this memory into my awareness.
“Jean,” it’s saying. “Everything in the present will soon be affected by the future. Just you wait and see!”
Also, I doubt it is without meaning that Amidst The Waves has a tiny rowboat with crew members abandoning the listing ship off its starboard side. Nor would it be without meaning that I painted two creatures that look alike embroiled in conflict, claws out Sandhill Cranes.
Dear subconscious,
I appreciate the work you do. Please forgive me if I’m too busy to notice all the little things along the way. At some point we’ll have to have a good old-fashioned catch-up.
Yours always,
Jean
“Clatter” from Dovetail (K, 1992) (download):
